The HQ Roll Newsletter Keeping Our HQ Roll Members in Touch May 2017 – December 2017

The HQ Roll Newsletter Keeping our HQ roll members in touch May 2017 – December 2017

Project Semaphore is up and running. Deputy Project Manager and RNBT Trustee Shipmate Sarah Clewes visited Pembroke House in Gillingham to pass on her iPad knowledge and ‘train up’ the resident candidates. The residents are most looking forward to being able to ‘FaceTime’ relatives who live too far away to visit, take photos in the garden, explore new hobbies and catch up on the news

and weather should they fall asleep and miss the end!

Open to HQ roll members too – see inside for details......

This edition is the on-line version of the Semaphore Circular, unless you have registered with Central Office, it will only be available on the RNA website in the ‘Members Area’ under ‘downloads’ at www.royal-naval-association.co.uk and will be emailed to the branch contact, usually the Hon Sec.

Daily Orders [follow each link]

1. Project Semaphore Update 2. RNA and Naval Associations Biennial Parade – 10 September 2017 3. Guess Where? 4. Motorfinity Partnership 5. RN VC Series –Chief Petty Officer Geoge Henry Prowse VC DSM 6. RNRMC Update 7. An insight into what goes on at Central Office on a daily basis? 8. Veterans UK Gateway 9. Joke – Climbing Rose 10. HMS Queen Elizabeth Article 11. RNRMC Birthday 12. Joke Time – Paddy Millionaire 13. National Museum Of the RN 14. Skin Cancer Update 15. TV Channel 5 – Assistance please 16. Retirement Clock Joke 17. Book Reviews

“D’ye hear there” (Branch news) RNA Benefits Page Shortcast Swinging the Lamp Forms

Glossary of terms

NCM National Council Member NC National Council AMC Association Management Committee FAC Finance Administration Committee NCh National Chairman NVCh National Vice Chairman NP National President DNP Deputy National President GS General Secretary DGS Deputy General Secretary AGS Assistant General Secretary CONA Conference of Naval Associations

Throughout indicates a new or substantially changed entry

Contacts

Financial Controller 023 9272 3823 [email protected]

Digital Media Assistant [email protected]

Deputy General Secretary 023 9272 0782 [email protected]

Assistant General Secretary 023 9272 3747 [email protected] (Membership & Slops)

S&O Administrator 023 9272 0782 [email protected]

General Secretary 023 9272 2983 [email protected]

Admin 023 92 72 3747 [email protected]

Project Semaphore [email protected]

Branch Support Officer (North) 07964 721849 [email protected]

Find Semaphore Circular On-line Snail Trail Mail - Postal Address http://bit.ly/RNADownloads RNA Central Office, or Room 209, PP70, RNA Website / Members Area / Downloads / Semaphore Tower, Circulars / Code (shipmate) HM Naval Base, Portsmouth Hants PO1 3LT

Dear Shipmate,

As you might imagine the Dockyard here in Portsmouth is a-buzz with the final preparations for the HMS Queen Elizabeth. The security fence around the new Princess Royal Jetty is now secure and we expect the final dredging operations to finish next week. The Naval Base Commander has offered an Open Day for naval base staff to see the new facilities – more news next month.

Welcome to the spring edition of the Newsletter, full of news and information. We hope you enjoy it. It is available on the website, remember that the password for the members’ area of the newsletter is ‘shipmate’ – and you can see the e-version of the newsletter where all the links work and it is in glorious colour!

You will find two lots of raffle tickets with the Newsletter this time – the normal Conference raffle for the Central Charity Fund and an extra raffle for a gallon wicker cask of genuine Royal Navy rum – with the proceeds going for the Jutland Wood Project. Money and ticket stubs back to Nigel please.

A reminder that Conference 2016 approved the first increase in subs for 11 years (since the year Saddam Hussein was executed, Italy won the World Cup and Tony Blair was still Prime Minster with John Prescott as Deputy – despite an affair with his secretary). Annual subs are now £14, please amend your standing order to the RNA.

There are some really good benefits for your membership of the RNA in this edition. I would draw your attention to the fantastic 50% discount on a generous membership scheme for the National Museum of the Royal Navy. £30 a year for a senior couple for full access to all attractions in Portsmouth, including HMS Caroline in Belfast and HMS Trincomalee at Hartlepool with Warrior just coming into the National Museum. Amazing value.

I have visited the 2018 Conference venue at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire and the venue for the Sunday service next door in the Maritime Museum (old naval church). The Dublin branch is in fine fettle and we are going to have a marvellous Conference. CONA travel has already negotiated a 40% discount on ferries and is in final preparations for the lower cost accommodation nearby.

We have had our first Open Day of the year, with a good, fun day for all. Shipmates were very interested in the arrangements for the new carrier, seen from the water. The dates are in the Longcast and we love to see HQ roll members. If you would like to come email Nigel at [email protected] or give him a ring on 02392 723747/

There are sometimes days in this job that are just the best ... one of them fell a couple of weeks ago when I drove to Essex with Project Manager Sarah Clewes – to have the build meeting for our new 3 LIBOR buses at Stanford Coachbuilders. I was very impressed with them – highly professional and real skill-at-hand at work. They take ordinary panel vans and convert them into minibuses fitted for disabled access. We had to choose everything from the headrests to the colour of the seats, carpet, deckhead lining – you name it. As you can imagine Navy Blue was a bit of a theme. We were able to see the very simple and reliable wheelchair lift and all the adjustments to make the minibuses comfortable.

Ours will have satnav, air-conditioning, Navy Blue leather seats, electric wheelchair lift and a very flexible seating/load area. We have now agreed where the buses will be located (North, South East and West) and Sarah is working on the H&S and management issues.

The minibuses will be available for the use of HQ roll members, with no charge other than topping up the fuel tank and bfing the bus back clean and tidy. Booking details in the next newsletter, but if you have something in common give me a shout.

I am delighted to announce our partnership with Motorfinity. They provide an excellent discount service and have their own RNA page. When challenged to find a discount on a new Mazda MX5 for me they found £2,500 off the list price, which is really excellent. For cars that don’t drift around corners sideways the discount will be much more!! Motability scheme included.

Project Semaphore, we are getting some marvellous stories from shipmates who have received their Project Semaphore iPads to bring them on line. There is a strong theme of improved contact with families and feeling less lonely that is fantastic to hear. If you qualify – have served in the Naval Service, over 65 years and do not have regular persona access to the internet then contact Sharon, the Project Manager, at [email protected].

Some admin bits and pieces:

• The Charter, Rules etc have now been updated following lengthy approval by the Privy Council and are on the website. Please use the May 2017 copy only. • Don’t forget last minute bookings for Conference in Perth. The Gala Dinner is filling up fast and we are now booking into the overflow room, close-by but separate. If you are not staying in the CONA Travel Service Hotels you must apply for the Gala Dinner separately, with no tickets on the door. Last call. • Please don’t forget the Biennial Parade on 10 September. This is a day for all Naval Associations and is a great reunion too.

Kindest regards from the Central Office team

Paul

Royal Marine Hotel and Maritime Museum

Our recent Open Day

Chairman’s chat

Hello Shipmates.

Maureen and I are fresh back from three weeks leave in Thailand visiting her Son, David in Bangkok where he has lived for the past 14 years. We are fortunate to visit him and his wife every two years. With our batteries fully recharged we are both ready to face the challenges the RNA has to offer us, myself as your National Chairman and No 6 Area National Council Member. Just a bit about the holiday. Although based on Bangkok, we visited various locations, the most impressive being the famous River Kwai where we stayed on a floating hotel. With a hydro-dam up river, at night the river level would drop by approximately 5 feet, rising back up in the morning between 0700 – 0900 hrs. whilst we sat outside eating breakfast. Wearing a life jacket, guests are able to jump into the river from the far end of the complex and get carried to the downstream end, a distance of 500m with the river racing along at approximately 10 knots. You got one chance of catching the life line by the ladder to get out or you got carried away for a mile to the next hotel. Strange how Jack enjoys a challenge, I had seven goes! My thanks to Paul Quinn for his emails whilst we were in Thailand concerning the various species of deadly Cobra snakes to be found.

Project Semaphore. In February with my wife Maureen, I attended the London training session to learn about the project’s iPads. Although I have an Android Tablet, Android Mobile Phone and dabble on my Wife’s PC, (surely, the latter must qualify me as a digitally isolated naval veteran?) these iPads are amazing and make my kit look antique. That said, and not getting too technical, it is a must that we get these iPads out to all naval veterans aged 65+ who are simply watching the world go by. So, if you know someone that qualifies have a chat with them, allay their fears about technology by informing them that they will be trained on a 1–2–1 basis on how to use one. Candidates’ names can be notified via phone/email to Central Office or fill in the online application found on the RNA main website. My thanks go to Sharon Brown our Project Leader, Sarah Clewes and all the RNA Members who attended the training session and gave up their Saturday to attend.

My thanks to RNA Rushden Branch for inviting me to their recent Dinner. It was a most enjoyable evening and their guest speaker was a local lad, born and bred in Rushden, Lt Cdr David Pickles RN, Air Traffic Officer, HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH who gave a very interesting talk about the first of new carriers. Finally, the National Vice Chairman and I joined Area 10 Shipmates at their Conference in Blackpool. I had the opportunity to meet Shipmates and see how the Area is thriving.

This was a sad occasion for the Area since their long-standing President Cdr Harry Harley RN(Rtd) stood down. I had the privilege to thank him for his passionate contribution to his area and offer a heartfelt BZ for all his work and commitment during his tenure as Area 10 President. He was presented with a Certificate from the National Council and a print of the RNA painting of the new HMS DARING and her 1950s predecessor.

Yours Keith

1. Project Semaphore Newsletter- IPads

The Project is now up and running and has already delivered some significant benefits to our digitally isolated community. The first two training events for the Volunteers were held in London and Harrogate at the beginning of the month. Mind blowing for some as the capabilities of this technology is amazing.

However, we didn’t need to be total whizz kids from the start and the basics were covered to ensure the Volunteers can assist our candidates getting online and doing the simple things such as setting up an email address, taking photographs and being able to email a photograph, using Skype and Facetime.

Sarah Clewes, an RNBT Trustee, has assisted with the issue of iPads to Naval Veterans living in Pembroke House which is a care and nursing home owned and managed by the RNBT. One candidate is looking forward to using the iPad with his terminally ill wife to video call relatives which will bring huge benefit to them at a challenging time.

Some of our Volunteers in the North and South are now equipped with their training iPads and will be able to show any interested candidate the benefit of being online and how light and portable these devices are. We are expecting and hope that this will generate more applications. The eligibility criteria is: to be a Naval Veteran, over 65 years old and digitally isolated, which is not to have regular personal access to the internet and enjoy the benefits this can give. But if your computer broke last week you would not be eligible for an iPad in this Project. If you would like to be considered for a computer please email me on [email protected] or contact Central Office.

I looking forward to receiving news of our candidates online and looking to spread the word further. I urge all to share the benefits of this amazing Project and look out for eligible Shipmates which we can assist. Go and visit our FaceBook page with lots of info https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=project%20semaphore

Sharon Brown, Project Manager, Project Semaphore. [email protected]

Photos from London Training Day;

2. RNA and Naval Associations Biennial Parade – 10 September 2017

The RNA/Naval Associations Biennial Parade will be held at Whitehall on Sunday 10 September 2017. I hope many HQ Roll members come along and enjoy meeting with Shipmates, sailors and senior officers/Ministers.

The Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Jonathon Woodcock OBE has confirmed as the Guest of Honour and the VIP party will include the Minister for the Armed Forces, Rt Hon Mike Penning MP, Flick Drummond MP, (Portsmouth South)1, Captain Andy Jordan ADC Royal Navy, Commanding Officer HMS Collingwood, CO of HMS SULTAN and Mrs Gillian Molyneux and her daughter Bethany, Mrs Molyneux is the widow of Lt Cdr Dean Molyneux who was killed whilst serving in HMS Astute.

It is envisaged that that over 500 personnel both Veterans and Serving will be on parade. As well as representatives from the many naval associations, including from Belgium and the Republic of Ireland. Trainees from HMS Sultan and HMS Collingwood will parade, as will members of the Sea Cadet Corps. Music will be provided by the volunteer band from HMS COLLINGWOOD.

The programme for the day is as follows;

0900 RNA Central Office staff on site, meet with Met senior officer. 0910 Set security points 0915 Civil Service Club opens for coffee and toilets (80 metres from Coach parking) 0930 Parking for coaches and minibuses in Whitehall Place (pass required from Central Office) All coaches + Cars to be clear of Whitehall Place by 1300. 0945 All Vehicles to be parked, 0950 Whitehall Place and South Whitehall closes. 1010 Standard bearers brief by NCA 1025 Parade musters and is briefed by Parade Commander. 1040 Parade steps off, from Whitehall Place 1055 2SL, Min (AF), Flick Drummond MP, Capt Jordan, Mrs and Miss Molyneux +, VIPs join the parade 1100 Service starts, 2 minute silence 1102 Service at Cenotaph led by the Chaplain of the Fleet 1127 Parade steps off, review by 2SL 1140 Parade addressed by NP/2SL 1146 Issue of Standard Bearers ‘Tots’ outside Civil Service Club 1147 Bar opens in Civil Service Club – 2SL and VIPs meets Shipmates 1200 Sandwiches and Chips served at no cost to participants 1200 Parking restrictions restored in Whitehall Place

Dress Will be uniform for those serving and RNA / Association rig with medals or equivalent for everyone else, polished shoes; berets for standard bearers and optional for marchers. Standards should wear the NSM pennant (if entitled).

1 General Election allowing!!!!

Briefs Standard bearers should note the early brief for them at 1010 in Whitehall place by the National Ceremonial Advisor.

Security. Very Important - Everyone attending should ensure they carry photo ID and their RNA membership card.

Band The band will be the HMS Collingwood Volunteer Band

Wreaths. Any branch, Area or individual may lay a wreath during the ceremony, please let Nigel know if you would like to.

Mobility. The march is of the order of 450 metres there and 450 back with just over an hour on our feet. Those with mobility issues should make their way to the front of the FCO where an area will be reserved

** Parking Details will be advertised once confirmed with Met Police.

3. Guess Where? An Establishment

This edition can you name this establishment No hovering or looking on Google or Wiki!!

The answer is at the back of this edition.

4. Motorfinity Partnership

Shipmates should be aware that the Royal Naval Association and the Conference of Naval Associations (CONA) are delighted to appoint Motorfinity as their exclusive motoring partner offering discounts on cars, commercial vehicles and motoring related products such as used cards and motorcycles for the benefit of members.

Motorfinity works with all of the top motoring brands in the UK offering great offers and discounts which are easily accessible.

- Save £1,000s on your next new car - All models available from leading manufacturers

- Motorfinity only works with manufacturer approved suppliers - All finance options are available including cash, Hire Purchase (HP) and Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) - Part exchange service - No fees or charges for using the service

Take a look at some of our offers and submit your enquiry online at the dedicated Royal Naval Association website – www.motorfinity.uk/rna

5. RNVC Series - Chief Petty Officer George Henry Prowse VC, DCM

CPO Prowse served with the Royal Naval Division in the First World War and saw action in Gallipoli and the Western Front where he was awarded the VC and DCM.

Born in Gilfach Goch, Llantrisant Wales he enlisted in the RNVR for the Royal Naval Division in February 1915.

On completion of training at Blandford, he was drafted to Drake Battalion, which was then engaged in the Gallipoli Campaign. The Division remained engaged in the Gallipoli Campaign until May 1916 when it was transferred to France where it arrived in Marseilles on 7 June 1916, where, on 20 June, he was promoted to Petty Officer.

In November 1916 the Division was employed in the Battle of the Ancre, the final attempt to resolve the Battle of the Somme. PO Prowse was wounded in his left thigh on 13 November (the opening day of the battle) and after initial treatment in France was admitted to a hospital in Epsom on 17 November. Having been discharged from hospital, he went back to the base at Blandford on 9 January 1917, and eventually returned to his battalion in France on 28 March 1917.

Chief Petty Officer George Prowse was 32 years old on 2 September 1918 when he was cited for a Victoria Cross at Pronville France. His Citation read as follows;

“For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when, during an advance, a portion of his company became disorganised by heavy machine gun fire from an enemy strong point. Collecting what men were available he led them with great coolness and bravery against this

10 strong point, capturing it together with twenty-three prisoners and five machine guns. Later, he took a patrol forward in face of much enemy opposition, and established it on important high ground. On another occasion he displayed great heroism by attacking single-handed an ammunition limber which was trying to recover ammunition, killing three men who accompanied it and capturing the limber.

Two days later he rendered valuable service when covering the advance of his company with a Lewis gun section and located two machine gun positions in a concrete emplacement, which were holding up the advance of the battalion on the right. With complete disregard of personal danger he rushed forward with a small party and attacked and captured these posts, killing six enemy and taking thirteen prisoners and two machine guns. He was the only survivor of the gallant party, but by this daring and heroic action enabled the battalion on the right to push forward without further machine gun fire from the village. Throughout the whole operations his magnificent example and leadership were an inspiration to all, and his courage was superb.”

Very sadly CPO Prowse was killed in further action in Anneux, France on 27th September 1918. His wife Sarah was presented with her husband’s VC by His Majesty King George V at Buckingham Palace on 17 July 1919. His was the last VC presented with a blue Naval ribbon and can be viewed in the Lord Ashcroft VC collection at the Imperial War Museum.

6. Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC)

Shipmates would like to be aware that the Massed Bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines will be playing a concert at 1930 in the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre on Saturday 27 May (May Bank Holiday), raising funds for the RNRMC.

Tickets are £21, £26.50 and £31.75. They can be purchased from www.bhlivetickets.co.uk or 0844 576 3000. Group 10+; [email protected]

7. An insight into what goes on at Central Office on a daily basis?

Without a Royal Charter and a National Council every Branch would just do its own thing and there would be no cohesion, order or regularity and hence no national reputation or influence. To be effective the National Council needs the Central Office sufficiently staffed to meet the tasks and commitments placed on it.

• Communication and support to all Branches: all over the country: a good deal of time is involved in giving advice either by letter, telephone or verbally to callers, as well as via the website in the members/downloads Area, under the usual password. • Communication with Areas: Advising and Central supporting Area Secretaries, Chair and National Office Council Members. • Producing Semaphore Circular and HQ Roll Newsletters: Circulars are sent out monthly to Branch secretaries by email and are available on the website. HQ Roll members receive a Newsletter twice a year.

• Hosting Open Days: Visits to the Central Office are very popular and include a boat tour of the harbour. They are run from Easter onwards, dates and details of how to book are included in the Monthly Circular. All free of charge. • Keeping Financial Accounts: The accounts of the Association and Branches and the range of activities mean that the task has an in-house Finance Controller. • Membership Records: Membership cards and stickers are issued on receipt of the necessary application being made together with a cheque made payable to the Royal Naval Association or payment by BACS. Worn out membership cards can be replaced as needed at no charge, there is a charge for lost cards. • Selling RNA Goods: A range of Association badges, clothing and miscellaneous goods can be viewed at our online shop . Central Office buys and accounts for them as well as dispatching them to the membership. The range of goods is increased whenever practicable and a Price list produced. GS is always happy for new ideas – such as RNA tartan for Scotland. • Dealing with individual Applications to join: Applications made via the RNA website are administered by Central Office, membership cards are sent for the new member to pick up from the Branch Secretary. New members may opt to join the HQ Roll which is administered centrally. • Processing applications for Life Membership and Certificates of Appreciation: See Annexes A, B and C. • Preparing Membership and Branch Anniversary Certificates: These are available on request and are undertaken on behalf of the Council after checking acceptability with the Branch’s Area National Council Member. • Marketing the Association: In conjunction with the National Events Adviser this involves Commissioning and obtaining all the material by which the Association interfaces with the public at events such as Armed Forces Day, Air Days; posters, pamphlets, stickers, banners etc. • Maintaining and updating the Website: In conjunction with the Website developers and RNA Webmaster, Central Office is your access to your Branches face on the website. Be this your Branch’s own page or via the diary and news articles. Remember that all Royal Naval Association Rules, Bye-Laws and Advisory Publications are now included in the Association Website www.royal-naval-association.co.uk/ • Managing the Standards Fund: All matters are dealt with by the Finance Controller. • Producing the Year Book / Diary: editing the content, negotiating with the advertising agency, printers, despatching and selling them. • Organising Ceremonial Events: Central Office is fully involved in organising National Parades, Armed Forces Day, Association Biennial Parade in Whitehall, St.Paul’s Seafarers Service, Cenotaph Parades, Field of Remembrance, National Standard Bearers Competition and much more. • Organising The Annual Reunion and Conference/AGM: A great deal of the groundwork in organising the National Conference is either carried out or coordinated by the Central Office staff. Close liaison with the Area and Branch officials hosting the Conference is essential. The National Council reports to Conference and follow- up action on Conference Resolutions is co-ordinated and implemented by the General Secretary who writes the Minutes and deals with the Privy Council.

• Liaison with the Royal Navy: This is undertaken at all levels on many subjects including RNA/RMA relationships and supporting the Navy Partnering Arrangement.. • Service Visibility and Support: Through the Shipmates and Oppos campaign, Mentoring of trainees, Trauma Risk Management (TRIM) for Veterans and recruitment campaigns etc, Central Office can keep the Association in the mind of the serving naval service. • Liaison with Other Associations: The General Secretary is the RNA representative at the Council of British Service and Ex-Service Organisations (COBSEO), the Conference of Naval Associations (CONA), the International Maritime Confederation and RN Charity Chief Executive Officers meetings. • Mentoring: Providing briefings to Part 2 Trainees from HMS Collingwood and Sultan to demonstrate to them how their RN /RNA forefathers are held in high esteem. • Investments and Financial Control: Careful control of investments and interest earning opportunities is needed to gain maximum benefit from the Association’s capital and also supplement subscription income. Detailed control of the budget helps keep expenditure to the minimum needed. Monthly accounts are prepared for the FAC to scrutinise as well as sending out termly accounts to Branches. • Assisting the Charities and Welfare Officer: Central Office administers the Central Charities Fund, through grants to the RNRMC. Not one penny of the donations to the Central Charities Fund is spent on administration which is provided as a Central Office activity. • Assisting Clubs: An annual task is to issue permits. Central Office provide a framework of model rules and advice as required, mindful of the complexities around RNA Branch and Club relationships. • “Hello, is that the Royal Navy?” Central office answers thousands of calls a year from members of the public, particularly looking for how to get records of service, family details and many varied questions. • Major Projects. Project Semaphore bringing iPAds to digitally isolated naval veterans; Shipmates and Oppos – transition support for naval leavers – running the Conference of Naval Associations. Jutland Wood. • Managing and upkeep of the Naval Service Memorial. • Purchase and running of 3 minibuses fitted with wheel chair access.

Whilst the above is a formidable though incomplete list, it should not be thought that Central Office runs every activity completely. Members of the National Council help as well as Central Office volunteers. However, the back-up provided by full time Central Office staff is an essential ingredient of having a National Association.

8. Veterans UK Gateway

The Veterans UK Gateway is now open for business. It provides a single point of contact for veterans seeking advice and support. The Gateway puts veterans in touch with the organisations which are best placed to support their need – from healthcare and housing to employability, finances, personal relationships and more.

Please follow the link for more specific details; https://www.veteransgateway.org.uk

9. Joke – The Climbing Rose

Oh what a tangled language English is and how easy it is to misconstrue......

‘The Climbing Rose’

A man takes a lady put to dinner for the first time and later on to a show.

The evening is a huge success and, as he drops her at her door says, ‘I have had a lovely time. You looked so beautiful, you remind me of a climbing rose. May I call you tomorrow?’ She agrees, and a date is made.

The next night, he knocks on her door and, when she opens it, she slaps him hard across the face.

He is stunned. What was that for? He asked.

She said...I looked up "beautiful climbing rose" on Google last night and it said......

Wait for it………………

"Best against a brick wall or fence, no good in an open bed".

10. HMS Queen Elizabeth History

The RN’s latest edition to its fleet will be coming to Portsmouth this year, but it is not the first HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH to have served in the Royal Navy.

The original QUEEN ELIZABETH was the lead ship of the 15 inch-gun ‘Queen Elizabeth’ class of Dreadnought battleships. The ship was launched on 16th October 1913 as the first RN warship to carry this name. Her Badge reflects the particular association with the Royal Family.

Build was completed on 22 December 1914 and she was deployed in the Mediterranean. While still undergoing testing, the HMS Queen Elizabeth was sent to the Dardanelles for the Allied attempt to knock the Ottoman Empire out of the war. The HMS Queen Elizabeth was the only modern battleship to participate, though a number of battlecruisers and pre-dreadnought battleships were also involved. She became the flagship for the preliminary naval operations in the Dardanelles Campaign, leading the first line of British battleships in the decisive battle of 18 March 1915. During the military invasion of the Gallipoli on 25 April, the HMS Queen Elizabeth was the flagship for General Sir Ian Hamilton, Commander of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force.

However, after the sinking of HMS Goliath by a Turkish torpedo boat on 12 May, the HMS Queen Elizabeth was immediately withdrawn to a safer position. She joined Admiral Hugh Evan- Thomas's 5th Battle Squadron (consisting of Queen Elizabeth-class battleships) of the Grand Fleet based at Scapa Flow, but she missed the Battle of Jutland because she was in dock for maintenance.

In 1937 she was selected for an extended modernisation which began in August that year and was not completed until 1939. Her WW2 service was particularly well known as she was seriously damaged at Alexandria after explosive charges had been placed on her hull in an attack by two-man human torpedoes in December 1941. She then had an extensive period under repair and refit in a US Navy Dockyard Norfolk, Virginia before resuming Fleet service in the East Indies Fleet. She took part in many offensive operations against the Japanese bases in the Indian Ocean and in support of landing operations in Burma before return to UK before VJ Day. After brief service in the Home Fleet she was placed in Reserve at Portsmouth during 1946 and sold for demolition two years later.

Hot Off Press Update......

The picture shows the latest trial to ensure the smooth arrival of HMS Queen Elizabeth on 10-12 March 2017. The new Princess Royal jetty welcomed the American Supply Ship USS Robert E Peary who at 40,000 tons provided the Dockyard team with a stern examination to pass, which they did with flying colours. Testing tugs, Dolphins and berthing arrangements.

They now need to rise to the challenge of berthing a ship weighing 27,000 tons more!

The photo above shows the Queen Elizabeth’s new Gangway awaiting its trail. I am sure there will not be any issue when the famous pipe is used for the first time on the gangway ..... “LEAVE......

A number of Shipmates have contacted Central Office to enquire if there is any information concerning the arrival of HMS Queen Elizabeth to her home port of Portsmouth.

Unfortunately the problem we have, is that even the Naval Base Commander can't tell you the date, and may not be able to do so until the last moment. This is because the actual build of the carrier has slipped 8 to 12 weeks and when the ship eventually conducts sea trials, which may go well - or not it may slip again. Finally there is an issue in that first entry into Portsmouth Harbour is limited as the ship can only enter when the wind is 15 knots or less and 1 hour either side of high tide.

Central Office has a good source of intelligence and will let you know as soon as we do. In the meantime the current best guess by the Captain of the Base is autumn.

If you would like to witness her arrival to Portsmouth please contact Central Office (contact details at the front of this newsletter).

11. Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC)

An intimate dinner attended by HRH The Princess Royal has officially marked the launch of a year-long 10th birthday celebration for the Royal Navy’s national charity, The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC).

The dinner, held on HMS Victory in Portsmouth on Wednesday (25 January), was hosted by the Second Sea Lord of the Royal Navy, Vice Admiral Jonathan Woodcock OBE, who spoke of the special relationship between the Royal Navy and its charity.

Guests at the event, which included Trustees, Vice-Patrons and friends of the RNRMC, such as Mr Nigel Atkinson, Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire; Mr Lance Batchelor, Vice-Patron, RNRMC; Sir Michael Hintze AM, Vice-Patron, RNRMC, gathered in Nelson’s Cabin to hear about the charity’s legacy of work – and the imperative to support the Naval Service

into the next decade.

Bill Thomas, RNRMC Chairman, said: “The Royal Navy has been central to Britain’s past and is critical to our future. In war and in peace, the remarkable men and women of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines work tirelessly to protect us and the freedom we enjoy.

“We know that longer nine month deployments place additional strain on family life. Social isolation and the need for residential care in old age affect almost 50 per cent of veterans, compared to 28 per cent a decade ago; a growing number of all ages are being assessed for mental health problems.

“We enter our tenth year with a greater understanding of the need and with renewed determination to raise the funds - £10 million over the next three years - to ensure that every member of our extended family knows that we value their service and that we are there for them to provide practical support.”

The event was especially poignant for the Charity as HRH The Princess Royal confirmed the renewal of her Patronage of the charity for another three years.

The birthday launch marks a year-long calendar of events and fundraising campaigns planned by The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, which can be found on the charity’s website (rnrmc.org.uk) and social media channels.

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity was officially registered with Companies House as an incorporated company limited by guarantee on 10 January 2007 and on 2 February 2007 as an Incorporated Charity with the Charity Commission.

In partnership with the Charity Commission, the RNRMC was able to identify over 60 existing Royal Navy and Royal Marines funds for merger. While some of these funds were small, such as prize funds, others were extremely large, due to a long history of saturation and investment.

Since its formation the charity has distributed over £45 million in grants to those in uniform, to their families waiting at home for their safe return and to service veterans. The charity estimates it has approximately 700,000 members of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines family in its beneficiary pool.

Some of the charity’s recent grantmaking projects include funding a family accommodation block of flats at HMNB Portsmouth for families to enable time together; nationwide funding for relationship counselling for families through Relate Counselling; subsidising Kings Camp activity holidays for children at naval bases; and support for veterans and families transitioning from Service to civilian life.

12. Joke Time – Paddy Millionaire

Apologies to my Irish Friends but we have not had a Paddy one for ages and this tickled me!

How about this for Irish loyalty...... Paddy is going really well on Who Wants to be a Millionaire. He's got to £125,000 with all his lifelines. Chris: OK Paddy, for £250,000 which of the following was one of the Great Train Robbers was it: Ronnie Biggs Ronnie O'Sullivan Ronnie Corbett Ronnie Wood Take your time Paddy: I'll take the money Chris Chris: Are you sure, you've still got 3 lifelines Paddy: I'm sure Chris,I'll take the money

Chris: OK audience give him a big round of applause, but before you go Paddy I'm sure you'd like to know the answer. Paddy: I know the answer Chris. Chris: You know the answer? You've just turned down a quarter of a million quid, are you mad? are you mental?

Wait for it......

Paddy: I may be mental Chris but I'm no feckin grass

13. National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN)

Shipmates will be interested to know that NMRN has written to Central Office to inform us that they are launching a new NMRN Membership scheme. Please see the details below;

This is an exclusive invitation to those with whom we have a close relationship and we are delighted to be able to offer your members a 50% discount on the new membership scheme by using the special promotional code Family50 on the sign up page - https://directdebit.nmrn.org.uk/galaxy- tools/nmrn-membership.

The NMRN membership provides great days out as we tell the stories of real people and bring history to life. As a registered charity, the funds we raise enable us to carry out our projects and continually deliver new information and experiences to our members through our work.

National Museum of the Royal Navy members will be able to enjoy an enhanced experience, with many benefits including:

Unlimited entry to all National Museum of the Royal Navy museums and ships (detailed below) 25% discount into National Museum of the Royal Navy museums for friends & family – up to 4 people 25% discount on all National Museum guidebooks 10% discount on all National Museum cafes and restaurants 10% discount at all National Museum shops Dedicated Members’ e-newsletter Access to our exclusive Online Members’ Area Discount and early bird tickets to selected NMRN events Special tours of maritime interest in conjunction with National Museum Friends of Museum schemes Exclusive invitations to behind the scenes NMRN museum tours and previews

Entry to all our museums is included in the membership, they include,

HMS Trincomalee in Hartlepool and its historic quayside, known as The National Museum of the Royal Navy, Hartlepool The Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton, Somerset The National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth HMS Victory, Portsmouth First World War Gallipoli campaign survivor HMS M.33, Portsmouth The Royal Navy Submarine Museum and Explosion, Gosport The Museum of Naval Firepower, Gosport HMS Caroline, the last survivor of the battle of Jutland, Belfast.

The cost of membership:

Ticket Type National Museum of the Royal Navy

Membership Adult £45 With 50% discount £22.50 Adult Joint £70 With 50% discount £35.00 Child £30 With 50% discount £15.00 Family (1 adult) £60 With 50% discount £30.00 Family (2 adults) £90 With 50% discount £45.00 Senior £35 With 50% discount £17.50 (over 60) Senior Joint £60 With 50% discount £30.00 (over 60) Student £35 With 50% discount £22.50

The photo above shows General Secretary, Paul Quinn with Paul Elgood from the NMRN on a glorious sunny day in March with HMS Victory in the background.

(Editors Note; What more can you say, what a great deal!)

14. Skin Cancer Update

The Loch Class Frigates Association ( a good CONA friend) very kindly forwarded the following information highlighting relating to skin cancer.

If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer you may well qualify for a lump sum or regular pension, if it is believed that the tumour has developed as a result of sun exposure during your period of service.

If you have developed a Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) or Melanoma you can apply to the War pensions Agency (particularly if your services was in sunny climates) Veterans UK have a helpful team who are able to support you to complete the necessary application. You can contact them at; https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/veterans-uk or by phone 0808 1914218. Please see below a letter forwarded to the Loch Class Frigates Association highlighting this issue

“Dear Andrew I was in the Med from 1952-55. It was sunny in summer!

In later years (60+) I have developed skin patches that have been treated with SOLARAZE or freezing. However, about 10-15 years ago I had to have one surgically removed and last year another on my forehead. When I saw a dermatologist last November he said ” Ex Navy? Served in warm climate? You should be claiming for this?” He promptly downloaded and printed off the enclosed which I forward. I knew nothing of that scheme but am in the process of claiming as the last bit excised was BCC (Basal Cell Carcinoma). It has healed very well but I still get scalp issues treated with a prescribed shampoo and cream.

You might think others in the Association also have grounds for claiming. Best wishes and may 2017 be healthy and happy. Sincerely Peter Malindine

15. TV Channel 5 - Assistance Please

TV Channel 5, are making an exciting two part documentary about Britain’s most famous ships. The MV Queen Mary will be the focus of one of our episodes. They are looking for individuals who can share their memories and experiences of the Queen Mary.

A key chapter of the Queen Mary’s history is its role during the Second World War as a troop transport ship. They are looking to talk to anyone that has memories of their journeys on board the Queen Mary. In particular, they want to talk to individuals who can recall the tragic sinking of the HMS Curacoa on the 2nd October 1942; Churchill’s transatlantic journeys; or the presence of German Prisoners of War on board.

For more information please contact Josh Sykes on 07882 436225 or e-mail [email protected] or by post to Channel 5 Broadcasting Ltd, 17-19 Hawley Crescent, Camden Town London NW1 8TT

16. Retirement Clock Joke

This is the clock we use in retirement. It needs no batteries or electricity, it is never fast or slow, and it never stops.

17. BOOK REVIEWS

The books mentioned below are available from ‘NavyBooks’. Run by naval people for naval people. 100s of titles – 1000s of books www.navybooks.com.

Using Code ‘RNA 101’ at the Checkout Cart RNA members can obtain a 5% on-line discount on all books. (except Magazines, Bargain & Bin End categories)

BRITISH WARSHIPS & AUXILIARIES 2017 £9.99

The fully revised, updated and respected guide to the ships, aircraft and weapons of the fleet. Over 80 colour photos. Complete with pennant numbers and silhouettes. Includes Royal Marine Craft and Border Agency vessels.

The book starts with a “no-holds barred” review of the state of the Royal Navy followed by sections detailing the fleets of the Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and the support vessels operated under contract by Serco. Also included are the vessels of the Royal Marines, Army and the Border Force. Each class entry includes a full colour photograph together with a class listing, pennant numbers, technical specifications and brief notes. Similar sections cover the aircraft and weapons operated by the Royal Navy.

The book concludes with a listing of those ships preserved within the UK and operating in a secondary role after decommissioning and a summary of those vessels which have been scrapped since the previous edition.

A SUBMARINER’S TALE £10.99

A true voice of 'submarining' in the 70s and 80s. Ex POTI Chas Cooke tells the story of his life in the Royal Navy but concentrates his tale on life in submarines (boats). He writes with verve and relish, including details of ‘how it was’ that some might perhaps leave unsaid when describing their underwater experiences. The fun side, the dark side and the operational side are all here – but it is the fun side that predominates. The author obviously enjoyed, almost, every moment of his submarine career and is rightly proud to have served as a Royal Navy submariner.

If you were there – this will remind you, if you have only ever wondered about life in a cramped black tube underwater this will give you the facts – and the laughs.

EXETER - A CRUISER OF THE MEDIUM SIZE: £20.00 The title of this book are words Reginald Cogswell used to describe HMS EXETER. In June 1926, a grammar school boy from Westbury Wiltshire, he joined the Royal Navy as an Electrical Artificer 4th Class. More than 40 years later, having retired as a Lieutenant Commander MBE, he wrote of his experiences. The book covers just a small portion of Lt Cdr Gogswell’s naval career, from August ‘36 to February ‘40 when he served as the Warrant Officer (E) aboard HMS EXETER. Those 43 months encompassed peace and war, aid to civil power during riots in Trinidad, helping earthquake victims at Talcahuano Chile, family separation and re-unions, calm seas and the brutal reality of battle. In setting down his memories of peace time ship visits to the ports of South America, the transition to war and the bloody truth of battle at sea and its aftermath Reginald Cogswell opens a window into the Royal Navy of the period and the impact of WWII. This is not a history of naval strategy and tactics or the manoeuvres of battle at sea, but a most beautifully expressed story of one man’s personal experience of peace and war. “fascinating reading and good to see a style of writing like that -- made me feel as if I was there” David Verghese, Naval Historian & Author Release Date: 31 March 2017

BARROW BUILT SUBMARINES: £25.00 This book forms a part of the NavyBooks series on warships built at the many shipyards around UK. However, it is also slightly different, while the expected technical details and specifications are included, as well as much interesting history of the employment and operations of the submarines pictured, and the men that served in them, every image is a painting and not a photograph. The book starts in 1900 when ‘Vickers Sons and Maxim Ltd’ of Barrow-In-Furness took the order to build the first submarine, a Holland Class, for the Royal Navy. It concludes with a painting of HMS ASTUTE leaving Barrow for sea trials in 2010. The book includes an index of every ‘Barrow Built Boat’ from 1901 to 2016. The book is not only a fine work of art, fit to grace any bookshelf or coffee table but it is also a very useful reference for anyone interested in the history of submarines and, indeed, the history of the Barrow in Furness shipyard. “This book is a tribute to the work of Barrow shipyard and an easily read capsule of the Submarine Service over the years. I commend it to you”. Rear Admiral Niall Kilgour CB, former Flag Officer Submarines. Release Date: 31 March 2017

RNA Longcast

2017 06 May Area 5 Quarterly Meeting - Harwich 12 May Open Day 02-04 Jun RNA Conference – Perth 02 Jun AMC /FAC / National Council Meeting/SOC 03 Jun SOC (Wash up) 04 Jun Parade and Church Service 17 Jun 6 Area Meeting – 1300 Chesham and Amersham 22 Jun Trustee training for NCM - Portsmouth 24 Jun National Armed Forces Day - Liverpool 30 Jun Open Day 01 Jul RNA Dublin Summer BBQ 27 Jul Mid-year Budget Review 05 Aug Area 5 Quarterly Meeting - Stowmarket 11 Aug Open Day 18 Aug FAC 19 Aug AMC 01 Sep – 31 Oct Possible arrival window of HMS Queen Elizabeth in Portsmouth - TBC 09 Sep National Council Meeting 10 Sep Biennial Parade 29 Sep - 02 Oct CONA Cruise ( Liverpool –Dublin- Bristol) 30 Sept Chichester Branch 70th anniversary event 06 Oct Open Day 20 Oct RNA Dublin- Trafalgar Night Dinner 21 Oct RNA Chard -30 year Commissioning Anniversary and Trafalgar Night Dinner 04 Nov Area 5 Quarterly - Harwich 17 Nov FAC 18 Nov AMC 25 Nov 6 Area Meeting – 1300 Royston RNA (Eternit Sports & Social Club) 09 Dec National Council Meeting 2018 1 0 March N C meeting 20-22 April Welfare Seminar – Stoke on Trent 9-10 June Conference in Dublin 8 September NC meeting 8 December NC meeting

D’ye hear there’.....

News from around the Areas and Branches

RNA Dublin Branch

During the recent visit of HMS WESTMINSTER to Dublin, Shipmates from Dublin Branch were invited on a tour of the Ship by her Commanding Officer, Commander Simon Kelly RN. The Shipmates were given a full tour and were very well looked after by the Ship's Company and at the end of the tour, presented the Commanding Officer with a Dublin RNA Plaque to hang in the Mess.

On the previous evening, the Branch Vice Chairman S/M Maurice Keane and Honorary Secretary S/M Nick Purkis were invited on board for a reception hosted jointly by H.E. The British Ambassador to Ireland and Commander Kelly. The Shipmates were extremely well looked after, as far as they can recall at the end of the evening!

RNA Worthing Branch

D-Day veteran Lt Ronald Mead RNVR 100 years old, was awarded the 'Legion dHonneur' by Captain Francois Jean, the Consul Honoraire of France, on behalf of French president Francois Hollande, at a ceremony at St. Marys RC Care Home Worthing West Sussex.

The ceremony was attended by Worthing Sea and Royal Marine Cadets from TS VANGUARD, Standards, and Shipmates from Area 3, Commander Neil Hall RN, The Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex and the Mayor of Worthing.

As a 27-year-old Lieutenant RNVR Mr Mead was attached to the Naval Party with the Mulberry Harbour at Gold Beach. Mulberry Harbours were temporary portable harbours developed by the British during World War II to facilitate the rapid offloading of cargo onto beaches during the Allied invasion.

After the Allies successfully held beachheads following D-Day, two prefabricated harbours were taken in sections across the English Channel from Britain with the invading army and assembled off Omaha (Mulberry "A") and Gold Beach (Mulberry "B”)

RNA Stowmarket Branch

Stowmarket RBL with the assistance of both Stowmarket RNA and RAFA and support of P&O Ferrymasters are holding a remembrance service and reception to mark the 35th anniversary of the Falklands Campaign. P&O Ferrymasters deployed the MV Elk as a STUFT (Ship taken up from trade) Ship for the entire campaign.

Shipmate Pete Chivers, Stowmarket Branch, on behalf of Stowmarket Royal British Legion, would like to invite veterans, family members or those who have an interest, to a remembrance service and reception on the evening of Friday 16th June 2017 in Stowmarket, Suffolk to mark the 35th anniversary of the Falklands War. The service and reception are being fully supported by Stowmarket RNA and Stowmarket & District Royal Air Force Association.

The remembrance service will be held at Stowmarket’s parish church, St Mary and St Peter’s, starting at 6.00 pm, followed by a short wreath laying at the town’s Memorial Gates and then a reception at the Royal British Legion Club, Stowmarket, where a buffet will be available.

If you would like to attend the remembrance service and/or reception, please contact Gary Quinn, Branch Secretary, Stowmarket RBL, 8 Tavern Street, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1PH, or email Gary directly via [email protected]

RNA Newbury Branch

Shipmate Doug Bell (Hon Sec Newbury and District) very kindly forward a report concerning a parade to honour HMS Tigris.

A plaque commemorating the 75th anniversary of Newbury’s adoption of the Second World War submarine was unveiled on Sunday 26th Feb 2017. The plaque outside the Royal British Legion Newbury recognises the adoption of the submarine by Newbury Borough Council as part of the Governments “adopt a warship “program in 1942.

th HMS Tigris, a T-class submarine, left Malta on 18 February, 1943 and was sadly sunk while on patrol off the coast of Capri by four rounds of depth charges from a German submarine hunter on 27th February, 1943, with the loss of all 63 crew members.

Among the invited guests were Ian Colvin and his wife Helen a Nephew of Lt Cdr Colvin the Captain of the sunken submarine. The Mayors of Newbury Julian Swift-Hook and the Leader of the West Berks Council Quentin Webb attended. The Parade marched from the Newbury Town Hall to the War Memorial where a wreath was laid by Terry Hazlewood (RN retired) and two Sea Cadets Callum Goodland and Ryan Archer of TS Victory SCC. A service was held in St Nicholas Church taken by Rev Bill Briggs, there were readings by the Mayor of Newbury and the Leader of West Berks. The Church service also included The Exhortation, The Last Post, a minute’s silence, Reveille, and The Submariners’ Prayer, along with the national anthem and several hymns, including Abide With Me.

The plaque was then unveiled at the Royal British Legion, by a Whitehall-based naval officer, Lt Cdr Lucy Ottley – a former member of the Combined Cadet Force at St Bartholomew’s School Newbury and whose parents also live in Newbury. “It’s a real honour to be asked to do something that affiliates Newbury” said Lt Cdr Ottley, who also read out the 63 names of the submarine crew members who died. “It combines where I come from with the job I now do and service I provide”. There were 8 standards paraded; The National Submariners Standard – Trevor Thomas, Deputy National RNA Standard – David Corrigan, Submariners Association Royal Berkshire and Leicester branches, Newbury and Ladies section RBL Standards, Newbury

Para’s and 101 Airborne standards. Chairman of Newbury RNA, Bob McGuinness, who is also chairman of the Submarine Association, said he enjoyed the day and church service. Newbury RBL hosted refreshments after the event. A final service to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the loss of Tigris and her 63 hands will be held on 8th July 2018.

The photo above taken after the unveiling, features ; L to R Mayor of Newbury Julian Swift-Hook, Ian Colvin Nephew of Tigris Captain, Lt Cdr Lucy Ottley RN, Chairman RNA & Submariners Association Bob McGuinness, Chairman of West Berks Council Quentin Webb

RNA Newton Abbot Branch

The Newton Abbot Branch of the Royal Naval Association recently "spliced the mainbrace" amongst its members and cut a celebration cake to mark the 60th anniversary of the branches formation and vowed to look forward to the next 60 years.

To help mark the celebration Sea Cadets from the branches affiliated and sponsored Unit, TS Canonteign - Teign Valley Unit 609 attended and joined members at the branch HQ, Newton Abbot Royal British Legion club to cut the cake and drink the toasts with lemonade, as there are some Royal Navy traditions they can not follow.

The oldest member of the branch, Shipmate Christina Dishburn, recently turned 101 years and still assists at events and visits other members who are unwell having been the branches deputy welfare officer for many years she still travels by bus and helps at the local town museum.

It was also a poignant event as the long serving President of the branch Shipmate Pat Mole had recently "crossed the bar", passing all to early his newly elected replacement Shipmate Roy Butler raised a toast to him and others who had served and gone before.

Members were informed that to help mark this the 60th anniversary year of the branch a project had been launched to raise funds to buy a new branch standard and have it presented as part of the Towns joint Armed Forces Day and the local Royal British Legions opening "Poppy Appeal", a Town Centre event under planning for the end of October.

In the photograph cutting the cake from left to right are Able Cadet Imogen Fuller, President Shipmate Roy Butler, Chairman Shipmate Nigel Wilson and Ordinary Cadet James Barnett and both Cadets are also shown sitting and listening to stories form Shipmate Christina Dishburn.

RNA Newark Branch and No 9 Area

On the 2nd April members of Newark RNA and life savers from Newark Community First Aid and Newark Fire Station gathered at the Odeon cinema. However they weren’t there to see the latest blockbuster release. At the Remembrance Day parade in 2014 Chairman Peter Wilderspin collapsed. The swift reactions of members of Newark Community First Aid, White Watch from Newark Fire Station and the availability of 3 mobile defibrillators saved Peter’s life. To show their gratitude for the life of their Chairman, who is also President of No 9 Area, just over £2000 was raised to purchase and install a defibrillator, so that members of the community can benefit from their life saving potential. It was decided to install the unit on the outside wall of the Odeon cinema, as it is situated in London Road Car Park, which is where the annual Remembrance Day parade forms up. It will also benefit users of the cinema, Newark Library and the local shops should they have need of it.

No 9 Area Chairman S/M Keith Crawford and his wife Yvonne were present to unveil the defibrillator. Branch Secretary S/M Kevin Winter thanked all those who had contributed to the purchase of the defibrillator, including No 9 Area who had contributed £300. Also present were Kevin Walsh from Newark Community First Aid and Dennis Rhule, an off watch firefighter who were instrumental in saving Peter’s life and were made Honorary Branch members in recognition of their actions.

RNA Reigate Branch

Our meeting on the 12th April began normal enough until out Treasurer Bruce Rowling walked in fashionably late wearing a cap issued to the Russian Navy. He then “strutted” around the room muttering something in Russian. We can only assume that he had safely returned from his visit to Moscow.

Later, Shipmate Dave Cooper told us about his Great Uncle, Henry Wood, who had been killed in action at the Battle of Bullecourt on 12th April 1917, aged 21. Dave read out a

27 letter that his Great Uncle had written prior to the battle which the entire branch found very moving. A tot was taken by all in the memory of Henry Wood.

At end the evening, the Treasurer handed out a tot of Russian Vodka that was laced with Horseradish. “You can take Jack out of the Navy but, you can’t take the Navy out of Jack”. The concoction was sampled by all and it would be fair to say, many went back for seconds!

RNA City of Sheffield Branch

A memorial service will be held on Sunday May 14 2017 at the Sheffield Cathedral to remember the 20 sailors who died whilst serving aboard HMS Sheffield during the Falklands War in 1982.

This has been organised by the RNA Sheffield Branch, Sheffield Sea Cadets and the HMS Sheffield Association.

Standard Bearers and all who are taking part will muster on the Sheffield Cathedral forecourt at 13.30 to march off at 13.45.There will be a short service outside at the HMS Sheffield Monument and then march into the cathedral for the main service to take place at 14.00.

Everyone is very welcome to come and join us and make this a day to remember. Any queries, don't hesitate to contact S/M Dave Wild (Hon Sec) 01246 569351 or email [email protected]

Answer to the Establishment question.

Gates of Sembawang Dockyard at Singapore

RNA Members Benefits

UK Holiday Group /CONA Holiday Service • Variety of special deals for both Groups and Individuals. 1% of turnover thorough CONA Holiday Service is returned to the RNA. http://www.royal-naval- association.co.uk/news/323/members-holidays-service

Coleman/Ansvar Insurance • Discounted Branch and House hold Insurance - 01323 744149 http://bit.ly/RNACona

Funeral Service • Significant discount form Veterans UK www.veteranfunerals.co.uk Tel 07889 009393

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

• RNA member entry just £10 plus four guest at £10 each provides access to the all attractions including the Submarine Museum, RM Museum and Explosion!.

Legal Services Free 30 minute legal advice with Coffin Mew. [email protected] 0800 827168

Breakdown Service

• RAC Breakdown and recovery service [email protected] or 0207 4025231

Organisers of Reunions should be aware the CONA Travel will match or better any other ‘like for like’ Reunion/Group Trips bookings so why not give them an opportunity to impress you. 0844 264 2122 [email protected]

• Discounts on a large range of new Cars www.motorfinity.uk/rna

Shortcast

Note from the CONA (Conference of Naval Associations) Secretary -

I would be very grateful if organisers of reunions would oblige me by obtaining a quote from the CONA Travel Service, who will not be beaten on like for like price. CONA Travel Service donate 1% of their CONA business back into the Conference totalling to date £1,600 which provides funds to assist members Associations. Oh and by the way their service is first class as well.

Algerines Association – 1/8 May 2017

Mill Rythe Holiday Village Hayling Island - for further details contact George Patience 01456 450659

849 Squadron Gannets – 5 May 2017 849 Squadron Gannets. Regroup 2017 at the Mariners' Hotel, Haverfordwest, SA61 2DU May 5 & 6. Contact John Rawling at [email protected]

HMS Dido Association - 5 May 2017

Hotel Royal Bournemouth contact [email protected]

HMS Bulwark, Albion & Centaur Association – 5-8 May 2-17

Royal Beach Hotel Southsea contact [email protected]

OCAAA - 5/7 May 2017

Marriot Hotel York - for further details contact [email protected]

HMS Nottingham Association - 6 May 2017

Tap N Tumbler Nottingham NG1 5FW. For further details please contact [email protected]

HMS Wizard & Cadiz Association – 12/15 May 2017

Kegworth Hotel Derby - for further details contact [email protected]

HMS Tenby Association - 12/15 May 2017

Llandudno - for further details contact [email protected]

HMS Hecate (South Atlantic 35) - 12/15 May 2017

Weymouth- for further details contact [email protected]

HMS Cleopatra Old Shipmates Association – 12/15 May 2017

New Continental Hotel Plymouth. Please contact [email protected] or telephone 01752 366611

County Class Destroyers Association – 19/22 May 2017

Tillington Hall Hotel Staffs. Please contact 01527 869165 for details.

Field Gunners Reunion - 19 May 2017

Tiffany’s Hotel Blackpool. Contact [email protected]

HMS Exeter Association – 19/22 May 2017

Gosport. Please contact [email protected]

HMS Alacrity Falklands 35 Association -27/28 May 2017

Plymouth - for further details contact [email protected]

HMS Blackcap RNAS Stretton 4th June 2017

St Cross Church Appleton Thorn. Contact [email protected]

HMS Fisgard, Artificer Apprentices Reunion – 9/11 June 2017 A reunion to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the entry classes S29, S30, and S31 joining HMS Fisgard in 1957, will take place from June 9 to 11 2017 with the Reunion dinner Saturday 10th June The venue, the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea, situated opposite South Parade Pier, has been booked, with a deposit paid to secure the booking. For details and booking form contact Malcolm Howard at [email protected]

HMS Glamorgan (Falklands War 1982) – 10/11 Jun 2017

Portsmouth – for further details contact - [email protected]

HMS Liverpool Association – 10 June 2017

Gi’s Association Whale Island. Contact [email protected]

HMS Iveston – 01 July 2017

Portsmouth - for further details contact [email protected]

Type 42 Association - 22 Jul 2017

The Type 42 Association Reunion 003 will be held at HMS Excellent on 22 Jul 2017. Open to all who have served on a Type 42 Destroyer, Discounted tickets for all fully paid up association members, new members can sign up to the association via the website.

BGM Start 1230 hrs Finish 1345 hrs

Reunion Start 1400 hrs, Finish 2100 hrs HMS Excellent, Sports Field

Tickets: Members £10 + 1 Guest £10 & Non Members £30 For Info email: [email protected] For tickets email: [email protected]

Web site: www.type42association.co.uk click on forum or visit our Facebook page Type 42 Association

HMS Active (Falklands Conflict 1982) – 4/5 August 2017

Plymouth - for further details contact [email protected]

HMS Illustrious Association – 8-10 September 2017

The HMS Illustrious Association will be holding the 2017 reunion in Portsmouth over the weekend of 8-10th September 2017. Further details are available on the website www.hmsillustriousassociation.com

BRNC Class of Sept 1977 (40th Anniversary) – 9th September 2017

BRNC Dartmouth – for further details contact [email protected]

HMS Ark Royal Communicators ( 1973-1977) – 15/16 September 2017

London - for further details contact [email protected]

HMS St Vincent Association - 06/09 October 2017

The annual reunion will be in the Royal Beach Hotel Southsea over the weekend 6 / 9 October with the AGM on Saturday in St Vincent, transport is included. For further details and for booking contact IOW Tours on 01983 405116 or email [email protected] or ring Soapy Watson on 07786 565485 or 01329 310078

RN Electrical Weapon Engineering Branch Association – 13-16 October 2017

Coniston Hotel Sittingbourne - for further details contact [email protected]

HMS Arethusa Association – 13-16 October 2017 HMS ARETHUSA Social weekend - October 13th to 16th 2017 at The Risboro Hotel, Llandudno. Details and booking forms from - IOW Tours Ltd. HMS Relentless Association – 24-27 November 2017

HMS Lowestoft Association - 20/22 October 2017

The HMS Lowestoft Association will be holding their reunion weekend on 20/22 October 2017. The reunion will take place at Sketchley Grange Hotel and Spa, Hinckley, Leicestershire LE10 3HU. All who served in HMS Lowestoft are most welcome. For bookings please contact; Isle of Wight Tours Phone No. 02983 405116 or ian@hmslowestoft,co.uk

Bay Class Frigates Association – 23/25 October 2017

Tillington Hall Hotel Staffordshire - for further details contact [email protected]

Survey Ships Association – 27/30 October 2017

The Survey Ships Association will be holding its twenty-third reunion at the Novotel, Nottingham on the w/e of 27th to 30th October. For information on membership and reunion please send a SAE to: The Secretary SSA, 17 Eliza Mackenzie Court, Lindisfarne Close, Cosham, Portsmouth, PO6 2SB, e-mail: [email protected], or telephone 023 9232 4795.

HMS Relentless Association – 24-27 November 2017

HMS RELENTLESS Association. 75th Anniversary Reunion to celebrate the first commissioning of HMS Relentless will be held at the Tillington Hall Hotel, Stafford, November 24th-27th 2017. All ex-Rusty R's welcome but numbers are limited so call Isle of Wight Tours Ltd asap on 01983 405116 or contact HMS Relentless Association Secretary 02392 599640, email [email protected].

My thanks go to Shipmate Mike Crow from RN Shipmates for providing details of reunions.

Swinging the Lamp – May 2017

Date Year Entry 1st 1759 Grafton (70) and Hampton Court (70), with twenty-two out of a convoy of forty-five sail, taken by nine sail of the line under Cdre Comte de Forbin (Mars) 20 miles off Beachy Head. Royal Oak (70) escaped. 2nd 1932 Publication of BR.224. The Gunnery Pocket Book. ‘Having been approved by My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty is hereby promulgated . . . By Command of Their Lordships . . .’ Chapter XXVI. Bugle Calls. • VII. Bathers to enter the water, or Stations for anchoring. • VIII. Bathers to come out of the water, or Light guns’ crews

take cover. • XXIV. Man ship, or Lull in the action, collect wounded. • XXV. Close aft for prayers, everybody aft, or Action about to commence. • XXVII. Repel aircraft 3rd 2008 The RN Hospital Gibraltar paid off. The gates were closed by the youngest member of staff, MA Kirsty Taylor, watched by the last CO, Surg-Cdr Martin Randle RN. Task transferred to the Princess Royal Medical Centre at Devil’s Tower Camp. 4th 1941 First successful trial of Leigh Light when the inventor himself with prototype in Wellington P 2521 from Limavady succeeded in illuminating H 31. 5th 1917 Sloop Lavender sunk by UC-75 22 miles S.W. of Waterford harbour. 6th 1770 Cook discovered Port Jackson (Sydney). 7th 1941 München, German weather ship, ‘pinched’ off Iceland. Operation EB. A capture of great significance to Ultra intelligence since it gave the keys for June. 8th 1861 Royal Marines Depot opened at Deal. 9th 1975 Ardent, Type 21 frigate, launched at Yarrow. Lost to Argentine air attack 21 May 1982. DSC: Cdr A.W.J. West, RN. Operation Corporate. The third successive Ardent sunk in action. 10th 1945 First U-boat surrendered – U-1009. Some 156 were received in all, of which 110 were sunk; 221 had been scuttled to avoid surrender. Operation Pledge. 11th 1961 Frigate Plymouth, Capt J.C. Cartwright DSC, RN, commissioned at Plymouth. 12th 1918 AMC Olympic, carrying 9,000 US soldiers to France and in a new camouflage of yellow, red and blue by war artist Norman Wilkinson, rammed and sank U-103 off the Lizard 13th 1943 Corvette Drumheller (RCN), frigate Lagan and Sunderland G/423 (RCAF) sank U-753 in Atlantic (48.37N, 22.39W). Convoy HX 237. 14th 1982 SAS landed by Sea Kings from Hermes to destroy eleven enemy aircraft on Pebble Island. Glasgow provided NGS. Active service declared for all units between 7° and 60°S, initially for three months. Everyone in the Task Force became subject to the Naval Discipline Act. NAAFI personnel serving in HM ships though not elsewhere might enlist in the RN and enjoy all the benefits. Thus a canteen manager in Ardent re-mustered as a PO on 15 May and was awarded DSM for gallantry in manning a gun on the 21st. Everyone was also protected by the Geneva Convention ‘and if the worst happened was assured that his estate would be free of death duties’. 15th 1797 Capt Henry Allen of the sloop Rattler hanged at the starboard foreyard arm of the frigate Adventure ‘for the detestable sin of sodomy’. 16th 1956 Diana, Daring-class destroyer, steamed through nuclear fallout

following the second atomic test explosion at Monte Bello Islands in the Pacific. Serial repeated after second explosion on 19 June 1956. ‘The Chiefs of Staff wanted to know how the ship and men would stand up to such an ordeal’ – Capt J.R. Gower DSC, RN, HMS Diana. 17th 1968 MOD(N) announced that the Scheme of Complement for Polaris submarines would in future ‘provide for a Supply Officer with the rank of Lieutenant of the Supply and Secretariat specialisation of the General List’. DCIs(N) 611/68; 298/69. (General Secretary - One pace forward march...... ) 18th 1942 Fleet Air Arm occupied Wingfield near Cape Town as RNAS Wingfield 19th 1847 Gunboat tender of Calliope, with a detachment of the 58th Regiment, repulsed a Maori attack on Wanganui. Last naval commitment in first New Zealand war. Battle Honour: New Zealand 1845–7. 20th 1954 HRH Princess Margaret unveiled a memorial on The Hoe to 15,600 souls lost at sea in the Second World War and have no grave but the sea. 21st 1982 The Battle of Falkland Sound. 3 Cdo Bde began the landings at San Carlos Bay. Men of 40 and 45 Cdos RM and 2 and 3 Para were put ashore by landing craft from Fearless and Intrepid. The logistic and transport shipping within San Carlos Water was protected by the thin grey line of escort vessels in adjoining Falkland Sound: destroyer Antrim; frigates Argonaut, Broadsword, Brilliant, Plymouth, Yarmouth and Ardent, supported by FAA Sea Harriers of 800 NAS and 801 NAS. Sustained fighter-bomber attacks by over forty enemy aircraft brought a day of intense naval warfare. Ten aircraft destroyed by Sea Harriers and by Sea Wolf and Seacat SAMs and many more damaged. Ardent hit by several bombs and fought to a standstill. Her blazing wreck was finally abandoned and she sank early on 22 May. Argonaut, seriously damaged, remained at anchor for the next eight days as a static AA platform. A UXB in flooded magazine was defused and removed by an officer of exceptional gallantry, Lt-Cdr Brian Dutton DSO, QGM, RN. First DSC to a fleet chief petty officer, FCPO M.G. Fellowes, for defusing UXB in Antrim. Most other warships damaged and all their captains decorated. By nightfall, 42 Cdo and supporting artillery and logistics were ashore without loss to themselves and a secure bridgehead established. This was the aim of the operation; a splendid achievement. 22nd 1917 Submarine E 11 sank Turkish Pelenk-i-Deria off Seraglio Point, Constantinople. 23rd 1941 Destroyers Kashmir and Kelly sunk by German aircraft 13 miles S. of Gavdo (34.41N, 24.15E), during the Battle of Crete. 24th 1941 First investiture of the George Cross at Buckingham Palace; first

naval direct recipient Lt-Cdr Robert Selby Armitage RNVR, awarded for bomb disposal work – London Gazette, 27 December 1940. GM 15 February 1944, presented 21 November 1944; London Gazette 25th 1982 Destroyer Coventry sunk and frigate Broadsword damaged N. of Falkland Sound by air attacks. Atlantic Conveyor, carrying important helicopter reinforcements, damaged by two air-launched Exocets while in company with carrier battle group 85 miles N.E. of Cape Pembroke, and sank later. Capt Ian North DSC one of twelve men lost. This was Argentina’s national day but there was no sign of the eponymous carrier (25 De Mayo, originally HMS Venerable and then the Dutch Karel Doorman). Operation Corporate. 26th 1954 Light fleet carrier Albion completed at Swan Hunters, Walsend-on- Tyne. (National Chairman blackmailed me into mentioning Albion, the first and only love of his life! Sorry AB Maureen!) 27th 1915 Battleship Majestic sank in seven minutes, torpedoed by U-21 outside the Dardanelles, off Cape Helles. 28th 1891 Hearty sailed from Kinsale for her first fishery protection patrol. First RN ship dedicated to fishery protection work. Her blue and yellow pennant had been authorised for signatories to the 1883 North Europe Maritime Powers Sea Fisheries convention. 29th 1940 Destroyer Wakeful, Cdr R.L. Fisher RN, torpedoed by German E- boat S-30 close to the Kwint Whistle Buoy off the Belgian coast after lifting hundreds of men of the British Expeditionary Force from Bray Dunes outside Dunkirk. The ship broke in two and sank quickly in 57ft of water with the loss of 690 men. Destroyer Grafton sunk by U- 62 nearby. Destroyer Grenade and AA ship Crested Eagle sunk by German aircraft at Dunkirk. Operation Dynamo. 30th 1997 Hydrographic (H) and Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) specialisations amalgamated to form a new X (HM) specialisation, reflecting the need to present unified environmental advice to the Command, embracing the atmosphere of the seabed. DCI(RN) 81/97. 31st 1520 Henry VIII embarked in Henry Grace à Dieu en route for the Field of the Cloth of Gold.

Swinging the Light - June 2017 Date Year Entry

1st 1998 Lt Katherine Babbington, first woman to win the Queen’s Sword at Dartmouth, presented with the sword by Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace. Lt Babbington was serving in Sandown in the Gulf when Divisions were held. 2nd 1854 Parliament passed an Act ‘to empower the Commissioners of the Admiralty to construct a tunnel between H.M. Dockyard at Devonport and H.M. Steam Yard at Keyham’.

3rd 1747 Captains who were not to be employed again were automatically promoted to flag rank and became ‘Superannuated Rear-Admirals’. Nicknamed the Yellow Squadron. 4th 2007 Universal right to elect trial by court martial. Any officer or rating whose offence was capable of being tried summarily could henceforth elect for court martial instead. RN Regulating Branch re-mustered as RN Police. Regulating ranks and rates unchanged. New slides and boards for officers and ratings with RN Police added to standard designs first shipped on 17 December 2008. 5th 1939 Admiral Sir Andrew Cunningham arrived at Alexandria in cruiser Penelope and took over next day from Admiral Sir Dudley Pound as C-in-C Mediterranean. 6th 1944 D-Day

Ships taking part in the Operation - of which 78 per cent were British (including Canadian), 17 per cent were American, and 5 per cent were French, Norwegian, Dutch, Polish and Greek. Over 10,000 Royal Marines took part, including 5 RM CDOs, an Armoured Support Group, an RM Engineering CDO, Landing Craft Obstruction Units, signallers, drivers etc. Marines manned two-thirds of the assault landing craft.

Warships 1,212 Landing Ships and Craft 4,026 Ancillaries 731 Merchant Vessels 864 Total 6,833

7th 1973 Second Cod War. First collision between frigate Scylla and the Icelandic Coastguard vessel Aegir. Eleven further collisions were to follow. 8th 1915 King George V opened Rosyth Dockyard.

9th 2005 The bow section of Daring, the first Type 45 destroyer, built by Vosper Thornycroft in Portsmouth Dockyard, left Portsmouth on a barge for the Clyde where it was united with the ship’s main hull at BAE Systems yard at Scotstoun. 10th 1960 ‘A case has occurred in which items of officers’ clothing have been damaged whilst stored in their cabin wardrobes. The damage was attributed to intermittent rubbing of the clothes against fittings which projected inside the wardrobes, resulting in excessive wear of clothes in direct contact with such items . . . Commanding Officers of HM Ships are to arrange for all officers’ wardrobes to be examined . . .’ – AFO 1549/60. 11th 1847 Sir John Franklin, naval officer and Arctic explorer, died on his ill-fated expedition in Erebus and Terror to find the North–West Passage. While his fate was still uncertain he was promoted to rear-admiral of the blue 26 October 1852. When it was ascertained that he had died earlier, the Admiralty annulled the promotion and removed his name. 12th 1652 Capt Sir George Ayscue (Rainbow) with a squadron of four men-of-war and seven hired merchantmen, captured six ships of the Dutch outward-bound Portuguese trade off Lizard Head.

13th 1514 Henry VIII launched Henry Grace à Dieu at Woolwich and paid the Chaplain who blessed her 6s 8d. 14th 1853 Chief Petty Officers. Admiralty Circular No. 121: ‘My Lords consider that it would improve the discipline of her Majesty’s ships, and be in other respects advantageous to the Service, to establish a class of Chief Petty Officers, and they therefore direct that the following be established accordingly: Chief petty officers – Masters-at-Arms, Chief Gunner’s Mate, Chief Boatswain’s Mate, Admiral’s Coxswain, Chief Captain of Forecastle, Chief Quarter-Master, Chief Carpenter’s Mate, Seamen’s Schoolmaster, Ship’s Steward, Ship’s Cook. As an inducement to render themselves proficient in all branches of their duty . . . My Lords are pleased to direct that a higher class of able seamen be established under the denomination “leading seamen” . . . to be exempted from corporal punishment, except by sentence of a court martial, or for mutiny.’ 15th 1944 Sickle sunk by mine in Aegean. The forty-fifth and last submarine lost in the Mediterranean. 16th 1987 Warrior (1860) arrived at Portsmouth. Ex-Hulk C77, removed from the Navy List as Vernon III in 1904, ex-Warrior, second of the name. 17th 1918 Lychnis, the only First World War Q-ship to serve in Second World War, sank U-64 off southern Sardinia (38.07N, 10.27E). 18th 1940 RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron) commissioned. ‘The new fighter training station . . . was nothing but three runways in an ocean of mud.’ – Capt Eric Brown, Wings on my Sleeve, p.12. 19th 2003 Albion, Capt Peter Hudson RN, commissioned at Devonport in the presence of her sponsor, HRH The Princess Royal and Admiral of the Fleet Sir Henry Leach, Captain of the previous Albion. 20th 1982 Illustrious commissioned. The first RN warship to be commissioned at sea. 21st 1997 Cdr Charles Eckersley-Maslin, naval aviator, died aged 96 in Tasmania. In 1918, lying about his age, he enlisted in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and was wounded in France. Found to be still only 16, he was returned to Bedford School ‘where he was treated with some awe’. Served five years in RAF; resigned his reserve commission in February 1939 and joined the Royal Navy as a lieutenant-commander. Wartime service in carriers in Far East and Mediterranean and commanded HMS Simbang, the RNAS in Singapore, during Korean War. Father of Rear-Admiral David Eckersley-Maslin. 22nd 1841 Trafalgar, first rate, launched at Woolwich in the presence of HM Queen Victoria and HRH Prince Albert by Nelson’s niece, Lady Bridport, using a bottle of wine which had been in Victory at Trafalgar. The figurehead is in the RN Museum, Portsmouth. 23rd 1915 First successful action of a RN decoy ship in anti-submarine operations. Disguised trawler Taranaki, Lt H.D. Edwards, towing submerged submarine C 24, Lt F.H. Taylor, intercepted by U-40, Kapitanleutnant Gerhardt Furbringer, off Aberdeen. U-boat put a shell across her bows and the trawler’s crew simulated panic. Telephone link to C 24 failed and she could not slip her end of the tow. Taranaki therefore cast off her end and with 100 fathoms of 3.5-in wire hawser, 100 fathoms of coir hawser and 200 fathoms of telephone cable trailing from her bows C 24 torpedoed U-40 (57.00N, 01.50W). C 24 surfaced

but had twenty turns of the telephone cable wrapped around her propeller shaft. 24th 1340 Battle of Sluys, Edward III (Thomas) captured or destroyed the whole of the French fleet of about 200 vessels in the Zwyn, thus pre-empting a French descent on England, and recaptured the Christopher. His letter of 28 June to the Black Prince may count as the first naval dispatch. 25th 1908 Indomitable commissioned. First battlecruiser and first of the name.

26th 1857 Queen Victoria held the first VC investiture in Hyde Park, decorating sixty-two of the eighty-five men gazetted. Thirteen of the twenty-seven RN and RM recipients had been attached to Naval Brigades. 27th 1734 First official recognition of the title Commodore as a temporary rank made by King George II. ‘Our Will and Pleasure therefore is . . . That Commodores with Broad Pendants have the same Respects as Brigadiers General, which is, to have one Ruffle.’ 28th 2005 2005 HM The Queen reviewed an international fleet at Spithead from the Antarctic patrol ship Endurance led by the THV Patricia. HM Ships present: Albion, Archer, Bangor, Blazer, Bulwark, Cattistock, Cardiff, Chatham, Cumberland, Endurance, Enterprise, Example, Exeter, Explorer, Gloucester, Gleaner, Grafton, Grimsby, Invincible, Illustrious, Iron Duke, Lancaster, Ledbury, Marlborough, Middleton, Montrose, Nottingham, Ocean, Pembroke, Puncher, Raider, Ramsey, Ranger, Roebuck, Scott, Shoreham, Sovereign, Southampton, St Albans, Tracker, Trafalgar, Trumpeter, Turbulent, Tyne, Walney, Westminster. RFAs Argus, Fort George, Fort Victoria, Hurst Point, Orangeleaf, Sir Bedivere, Sir Galahad, Sir Tristram, Wave Ruler, HMAS Anzac, HMCS Montreal. 29th 1950 The Communist North Korean Army attacked the South Koreans across the 38th parallel. Within a week the Royal Navy was operating in Korean waters, sinking coastal shipping and attacking communications ashore. The Chinese reinforced the North Koreans and advanced into North Korea during the winter, driving the United Nations forces back. Allied sea power was used to the full, both in launching seaborne air attacks against North Korean forces, and in evacuating and landing troops as required. Russian-built MiG jet fighters were deployed against the Fleet Air Arm in Korea. Lt P. Carmichael shot down the first Russian MiG to be destroyed by the Royal Navy and, remarkably, by a piston engined aircraft. 30th 1997 Hong Kong returned to China at midnight. Prince of Wales and former Governor, Mr Chris Patten, embarked in HM Yacht Britannia at 0022 1 July, completing British withdrawal. Ship sailed at 0045 and, with Royal Marine band playing ‘Rule Britannia’ and ‘Jerusalem’, amplified by ship’s broadcast, she led Chatham, Peacock, Starling, Plover and RFA Sir Percivale out of harbour. Group rendezvoused with seventeen ships of Ocean Wave Task Group commanded by Rear-Admiral Alan West, which had been standing by over the horizon. All ships steamed past Britannia on 1 July.

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